Get to know your Federation reps: Judith Oliver

7 July 2021

Once a nurse and now a police officer, new Suffolk Police Federation workplace representative Judith Oliver reveals why she decided to swap helping patients for tackling crime. 

It was back in 2008, Judith explains, when she joined Suffolk Constabulary. Having volunteered as a Special Constable for three years while nursing full-time, she sought a new career with progression potential.

“I had a really good insight as a Special and was attracted by the variety that policing could give,” adds Judith, who landed a role policing the Olympics in 2012, a personal highlight of her career so far.

Her first posting was at Stowmarket which only lasted a few months before she moved to Felixstowe, then Woodbridge – her last response post was Rhodes House before moving to Landmark House in 2016 to work on the Neighbourhood Support Team, ultimately ending up at Ipswich Central Safer Neighbourhood Team in 2019.  Judith now works as a professional development officer, supporting student officers throughout their training journey – from their first day of the tutor phase to their confirmation two years later.

The onset of Covid-19 and the ensuing Government restrictions has meant that Judith has had to adapt the way she is able to support her students, the lack of face to face interaction has meant that she has not been able to be as supportive as she would have liked.

She explains:  “Teams has been great but it is impersonal, there is nothing better than a face to face catch-up.”

Alongside her main job, Judith now also supports colleagues after putting herself forward as a Suffolk Police Federation rep.

“I enjoy helping and supporting people,” she says, “I joined the Federation in 2008 as a brand new officer because I wanted someone to stand in my corner if I ever needed help.”

Bringing organisation and determination to the role, Judith says having a good working relationship with senior officers and colleagues will work in her favour as a rep.

“My special areas of interest are wellbeing and welfare, which are my key priorities as a rep too,” she says.